Which component of a project schedule helps in forecasting project completion?

Time estimates are essential in forecasting project completion because they provide a projected duration for each task or activity in the project schedule. By estimating the time required for individual tasks, project managers can create a timeline that outlines when each part of the project should begin and end. This information is crucial for establishing deadlines, allocating resources effectively, and identifying potential bottlenecks that could delay project completion.

A well-defined set of time estimates allows project managers to analyze the overall project timeline and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the project stays on track. If any tasks are underestimated or if there are delays, the project manager can take proactive steps to mitigate these issues before they affect the final completion date.

While the other options—cost analysis, team meetings, and material delivery dates—are valuable for different aspects of project management, they do not directly contribute to forecasting the project's completion time as effectively as time estimates. Cost analysis typically focuses on budgeting and financial planning, team meetings are oriented around communication and coordination, and material delivery dates relate more to logistics and supply chain management than to timeline predictions.